What Are the Side Effects of Hepatitis C Treatment?

Medical Science Can Cure Hepatis C

Medical Science Can Cure Hepatis C

Hepatitis C is a stubborn virus that’s fairly common and is
spread by blood-to-blood contact between people. It may be transmitted through
sex with an infected person, or by sharing personal items contaminated with
infectious blood, but these are less common. It is not spread through breast
milk, food, or water, or by casual contact, such as hugging, kissing, and
sharing food or drinks with an infected person.

The human immune system is very good at fighting off
constant bacterial infections and the myriad viruses that cause the common cold
and even the flu. However, it can’t easily kill the hepatitis C virus.

Fortunately, there are drugs available that can vanquish hepatitis
C. And there may be new drugs coming on the market soon.

Drugs That Work

Drugs That Work

Interferon is a protein produced naturally in the body. The
synthetic version taken by injection once a week stimulates the immune system
to neutralize or destroy the hepatitis C virus.

Ribavirin is a drug taken by mouth daily. It fights certain
viruses, including hepatitis C.

Boceprevir and Telaprevir are anti-viral drugs that work by
keeping the hep C virus from replicating. These drugs can’t be taken together. They’re
used individually with either interferon or ribavirin.

Treatment Can Be Daunting

Treatment Can Be Daunting

Hepatitis C drugs cause side effects, most commonly a
flu-like reaction that goes away after a few weeks. Most of the side effects aren’t
life threatening. However, it can be difficult to tolerate them for the full
course of treatment, which lasts from six months to a year. Being knowledgeable
about your treatment and its side effects can help you manage them.

Physical Side Effects

Physical Side Effects

The most
common physical side effects from hepatitis C drugs include:

fever

headache

muscle aches

fatigue

nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

dry mouth, thick saliva, and mouth ulcers

poor appetite

While being treated for hepatitis C, it’s important to be as
healthy, overall, as you can be. That means eating a balanced, nutritious diet
and drinking plenty of water so you don’t get dehydrated. If side effects are
making you feel sick, talk to your doctor about ways to manage the physical
symptoms.

Mental Side Effects

Mental Side Effects

Hepatitis C
drugs may also cause side effects that affect your mental health. These
include:

poor sleep or insomnia

anxiety

being irritable or short-tempered

low mood or depression

Interferon stimulates certain parts of the body, sometimes
making it difficult to sleep. Lack of good sleep and rest may other problems
such as anxiety, being short-tempered or feeling sad or low.

Talk to your doctor about ways to improve how you sleep.
Keeping a regular sleep schedule, learning relaxation techniques, timing your
medications, and talking to others about how you’re feeling—both physically and
mentally—can help.

Side Effects on Skin and Hair

Side Effects on Skin and Hair

Treating hepatitis
C can cause other side effects, as well. They include:

injection-site reactions

hair loss

skin rashes

About one-third of patients taking interferon experience
some hair loss. Once treatment ends, your hair will grow back. Skin rashes from
ribavirin may come and go, mainly on the body and arms. Cool baths and skin
lotions can help.

Injection-site reactions can be minimized by changing the injection
spot and applying an ice pack. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about
these problems.

When to Call Your Doctor

When to Call Your Doctor

Although it
doesn’t happen very often, hepatitis C drugs may cause serious side effects. It’s
important to learn what they are so you can identify them and get immediate
medical help if you experience the following:

chest pain

shortness of breath

vision changes

thyroid problems

Any of these side effects can be potentially serious. Speak
with your doctor about how you’re feeling and don’t hesitate to go to the
emergency room if necessary.

It’s a Team Effort

It’s a Team Effort

Managing hepatitis C takes a team: you, your doctor, nurses,
physician’s assistants, phlebotomists, and lab technicians. It’s important to check
in with your doctor frequently to let them know how your therapy is going and
how you’re feeling. Hepatitis C is a serious disease that takes time and effort
to get under control, but doing so may save your life.

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